Nessel Drops Charges Against Seven UM Pro-Palestinian Protesters

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has dropped all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at the University of Michigan during a May 2024 encampment removal. The defendants had faced misdemeanor trespassing and felony resisting and obstructing police charges, but Nessel cited ongoing court delays, allegations of bias, and improprieties—such as external communications to the court—as factors in her decision to dismiss the cases. Nessel emphasized that her office initially based its charging decisions on evidence but determined that further prosecution was no longer a prudent use of resources given the contentious and protracted proceedings. The decision came amid public demonstrations and calls for Nessel to recuse herself, with supporters celebrating outside the courthouse following the announcement. Defense attorneys expressed relief and surprise at the dismissal, noting that the court had not yet determined probable cause to proceed to trial. The case became a focal point for debate over protest, policing, and prosecutorial discretion on campus.